I believe there is no better exercise for the body than running. Running increases the heart rate, which in turn burns calories during and after the bout of exercise. This type of exercise helps relieve stress, decreases the risk of heart disease due to the flow of blood through the veins and arteries (clears blockages), strengthens the heart, increases stamina and endurance, and is a great way to get away from the world for a little while.

I strongly believe the key to success while running is listening to your body. Push yourself, but listen to your body. If your body tells you enough is enough; then stop for now and pick it back up the next day. In a way, running is kind of like yoga. In yoga, you stretch as far as your body allows and you maintain that certain stretch or position for a period of time and then release it. Eventually your body will allow you to stretch further and further, but it does not happen over night.

Use the yoga concept during your bouts of running. Listen to your body, do as much as you can do and eventually you will be able to start increasing your distances and decreasing your time per mile.

Mathue Johnson has been a certified personal trainer for nearly ten years, working closely with clients across the country to help them effectively reach their goals. He also vied for Jillian's heart in The Bachelorette season five.

Nice entry! While I’ve stretched my fitness efforts to include other activities like swimming, biking and weight training, running remains my base fitness activity. I just have to watch my knees. I’ve recently written about participating in “running groups”. I think “group runs” add to the health of running with stress-free conversation and bonding with other “like-minded” individuals.

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